Wanderlust

Last Saturday, the gentleman and I went to see Bonjour Tristesse at Film Forum (now playing until May 24^th- having been extended twice). We rarely find ourselves still, so an afternoon at the movies seems quite decadent. These days, catching up on movies tends to happen only on long-haul flights.   

I can’t think of a better film to countdown the days until summer. Having read Bonjour Tristesse, I’m constantly enthralled by the beautiful cinematic language Francoise Sagan used to describe the Côte d'Azur. The gorgeous expanses of the French Rivera never disappoint. 

The gentleman and I have been having such wanderlust for warm days spent by the sea. Traveling from town to town (and a few lesser known islands), sailing, playing tennis, visiting boutiques and markets and reading on the beach. I have in no way mastered “the art of just being”, but a trip like this is a step in the right direction.

On a sartorial note, Jean Seberg’s Cecile was dressed perfectly for a carefree vacation. Modest swimsuits (I love this Chanel swimsuit for a splurge), boatneck tunics, chambray shirts, striped shirts, white pants, high waisted shorts* and a little black dress for evenings out, is all one needs in the carry on.  After all, isn’t planning for a trip part of the fun?

*I’m slowly coming around to the idea of shorts.


All images courtesy of The Everett Collection

Little Happy List #1

"Frivolity is the key to eternal youth" Ines de la Fressange 

One of the main reasons I started this blog was because I wanted to share my passion for style, fashion and elegance. Aesthetics are extremely important to me. I relish a beautifully written book, fine art, architecture, dance and fashion. To me these things are significant elements that contribute to the world. Our individual tastes and preferences shape who we become. What would the world be without beauty? 

Some would call taking pleasure in such things frivolity. For a long time I believed this. In some ways my studies conflicted with my passion for fashion. Fashion was something I found great joy in but loved in isolation. 

I believe that the little things in life bring the greatest joy. The key is balance. For me that comes from appreciating all of the little things that make life enjoyable. A few years ago I started making happy lists. A happy list is a little list of simple things throughout the week that make me smile. They are frivolous, but it's my little way of being thankful for the little things. 

So here's to happiness!

1)

Lovely days spent by the sea on the Southside of Hong Kong and at Shek O. The Southside of Hong Kong has gorgeous ocean views that rival Hawaii. The drive out to Shek O resembles the Mediterranean with houses perched on the sides of cliffs and yachts and sailboats dotting the green water.I wish I could bottle the faint scent of Fragipani that scattered the islands. Fresh squeezed juice, a few treasured books (re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird and Lolita) and a Breton tee make for a refreshing day by the sea. 

2)

Pretty little things from Lane Crawford.

3)

The Hong Kong skyline all lit up for the Symphony of Lights. I must say Hong Kong's skyline is impressive. The evening breeze feels wonderful after a long day. 

4)

A painting from the "Home-made Colours" exhibit at The University of Hong Kong's Museum and Art Gallery. The University of Hong Kong's Museum and Art Gallery is a gem. The contemporary Asian art market is currently booming and Hong Kong is full of international galleries featuring established and emerging names. For an art lover this was heaven. 

5)

My Personal Photos

Traditional Chinese brocade from Western Market. I find textiles beautiful and have started a tradition of collecting textiles from countries that I visit and framing them as mementos from my trips. I picked up two exquisite textiles (one for my parents and the other for me) that I will have framed. 

What makes you terribly happy?

A Girl's Guide

My Delicious Fleurs Tea

I do my best thinking over tea or during long walks... Over tea at Le Goûter Bernardaud I was thinking about the elements that contribute to my personal style. My style essentials are the little things that keep me looking my best and feeling elegant. 

They are essentials because I realize how dependent I am on all of the services below when I travel. Finding each of these establishments is a priority wherever I am living. I guess this would also be the time for me to mention that I'm extremely high maintenance. I love the idea of an easy laid back style, but I'm not ashamed to say that I require a fair amount of effort getting there. 

THE GIRL'S GUIDE---

Alterations- Due to my diminutive size I have to alter everything. There's no getting around it, It pains me and my tailor to alter designer clothing because it devalues it, but it's extremely rare that items purchased off the rack will fit me properly. A skilled tailor can make the right adjustments to truly enhance any figure. What I enjoy most about working with a great tailor is that it is a collaboration. I'll bring in a piece with an idea of what needs to be adjusted and we'll work together to make the proper changes. 

Dry Cleaning- I believe in investing in my wardrobe and dry cleaning goes in tandem with that. A good dry cleaner doesn't just clean clothing, but they are on top of reinforcing buttons, repairing linings, or removing loose threads without you having to ask.

Eyebrow Grooming- Eyebrows truly frame your face. It's amazing how eyebrows can enhance the proportions of your face. Well groomed eyebrows make your entire face seem more awake and fresh. I adore the natural shape of my eyebrows and have always been told not to let anyone mess with this shape, so I'm extremely picky about who touches them. Finding someone who knows how to enhance what's already there is a rare.

Hair Salon- I'm beholden to doing my hair. I frequent the hair salon often (every 1-2 weeks or more if I have an event to attend). Very few people touch my hair. I can count the number of hair stylists I have had in my life on one hand. 

Shoe Repair- I walk everywhere so a talented cobbler is important. If you are going to invest in Isabel Marants, Louboutins or Manolos, then you need a good shoe repair shop. These shoes require extra special care and it never hurts to ask the boutiques who they recommend using. It's important to weatherproof and replace the heels before wearing, which I often don't do because I get overzealous to wear my new purchase. I wish I could say that a good cobbler had extolled the virtues of shoe trees and shoe horns, but it was actually my dad who taught me the importance of these things. Yes, even dads can have sartorial prowess (smile). 

Makeup Studio- For events and benefits (especially ones that I know will be immortalized in photographs and video) I rely on having my makeup done by professionals. There is something liberating about knowing what is best left to professionals. Professional makeup application is a luxurious and calming way to relax before an important event. I like to look and feel like myself for a big night only a little more radiant and confident, so I'm always thankful for the lovely ladies at Bobbi Brown Studio. 

Spa- Manicures and pedicures are essentials. I can't stand when I look down at the computer and my nails are not perfect  and don't get me started on having toes out without a pedicure. It drives me crazy. In New York there are nail salons everywhere, but I prefer to have my nails done at a spa. I'll admit that I'm a bit germ phobic and in addition to wanting my nails to look immaculate I enjoy the relaxation time. It's one of the few chances I get to relax and not multitask, which I love. 

Voila! My essentials. I'm actually looking forward to heading home and visiting my favorite places. Do you have establishments that you consider essential?

Now Coveting

Courtesy of Vogue Paris

Jak and Jill 

"What's wonderful about her shows is that you can't remember what you were wearing before. Once you see it, that's what you want. It's a very utilitarian look but it's done in a way that's very sumptuous, very modern and very desirable at this moment. Every single thing she does seems to look urgent and that's the key to selling fashion right now." - Sally Singer 

I have admired Phoebe Philo's work since her days as a design assistant for Stella McCartney at Chloe. In my mind, there has always been something intellectual about her clothing that went beyond the idea of 'fashion.' In the same manner as Dries Van Noten, Philo's Celine is designed for smart and intelligent women who enjoys fashion. It's a juxtaposition that suits me. After all, one of the greatest things about being a woman is how multidimensional we are.  

One of the most important aspects of building a wardrobe is careful editing. In the same way that a fashion editor sifts through and curates items from the collections, you have to apply those skills to your own closet. Building a wardrobe is a process that takes time. Currently, I am content with my wardrobe. It's filled with items that I love and that flatter me. That being said, a well thought out wardrobe doesn't stop me from coveting an item or two. 

Currently I am coveting a bag from Celine. I find them incredibly versatile and orderly. Celine bags look put together, which is something I strive for. Who doesn't want to look immaculate and well coifed? I think this will be my next big purchase. The funny thing is that my hotel is in extremely close proximity to the Celine store. I am having 'Celine Dreams' because the hotel is connected to the boutique. Thankfully, I am not an impulse shopper. I only bring an item into my wardrobe after careful consideration. 

I always have a list in my head of items I need to add to my wardrobe or replace. Yet, when something is right, I trust my instincts and go with it. Yesterday, I purchased a Claude Pierlot dress at Rue Madame in Causeway Bay (I highly recommend this boutique. The sales staff was extremely sweet and helpful). Another dress was not on my list, but this one is perfect. This dress is extremely flattering and can be worn in a multitude of ways. I adore Claude Pierlot, but it's a bit hard to source in New York. Ah, another reason to travel to Paris. I digress. 

Wardrobe building is about balance and enhancing what you already have. That being said, I'm still pondering adding a Celine bag to my wardrobe. Perhaps only time will tell. What are you coveting? 

PS- I am also having Lanvin dreams. The Hong Kong store has different offerings from the New York store. Slowly I'm starting to forgive Alber Elbaz for the H&M collaboration.

Hello From Hong Kong!

Hello from Hong Kong! The last few days I have been busy crisscrossing this wonderful city. I have been trying to orient myself and dive into the pace. So far all is well, with the exception of my establishing a sleep schedule. I frequently go through bouts of insomnia, however I prefer that it doesn't rear its' ugly head when I have meetings to be alert and prepared for. Oh well. 

I have been soaking up the warmer weather  and enjoying every minute of it. I think every New Yorker has been feeling like spring was never going to come! Being in a warmer clime has me starting to plan my spring wardrobe. I will do a spring wardrobe post soon. It feels good to break out my trench coats, stripey shirts ballerina flats and cropped trousers. 

Here are a few pictures are Hong Kong so far. A photographer friend recommended this camera and I had no time to learn how to use it before my trip, so I'm winging it.

Skyline

A View From High Above

Sparkling water infused with fresh fruits

Lotus Garden at Chin Lin Nunnery

Nan Lian Gardens

Lantern

Off We Go...

Hannah Whitaker

I am all packed and headed to Hong Kong and the outlying islands this afternoon. I'm leaving one fast paced city and off to another city with frenetic energy. Ni Hao Hong Kong! 

The next two weeks promise to be full of fashion and style inspiration. I will be working on my Glamorous Little Side Project, meeting up with colleagues  in the industry and sourcing fabric and design inspiration. I can't wait to explore the markets, art galleries and all that Hong Kong has to offer. Hopefully, there will be some much needed relaxation (something my Type A personality struggles with) thrown in too.

Last night all of my  accessories were methodically laid out like the above picture. When it comes to selecting items for travel it's all about versatility and pairings. The above picture is apropos because I managed to pack a few pairs of flats for all of the walking I'm going to do. 

I can't wait to share all that I find on this blog. A two and a half week vacation means I'll have more time to blog. Hopefully when I return to New York it will be springtime. I'm thankful to be leaving before tonight's snowstorm hits. 

Carry On

The Coveteur for Vogue.com

The Carry on and luggage in general is one of those often overlooked items. There's an old quote that says it's bad luck to travel with dirty luggage because it sets the wrong tone for a trip. There was a time when people travelled elegantly... I always try to keep this in mind and not stray to far from my pulled together look when traveling. 

All I can think about is boarding my 2:55 PM flight on Thursday. Interestingly, I find myself far less concerned with packing my clothing (I'm sure that will change by Thursday) and far more preoccupied with packing my carry on. I have a fifteen hour flight ahead of me and need to pack my carry on with my go to beauty products to keep me comfortable, a diverse array of reading material, layers to keep me warm, my laptop, electronic gadgets  and most importantly my passport and documentation. 

The Céline luggage bag pictured above is the perfect travel tote. I could never pull off such a bright yellow, but a more subdued black or the two toned black and tan in the next size would be the perfect addition to my travel luggage. Yesterday at Bergdorfs, I deliberated about this bag once again. Honestly, the bag feels a little heavy with nothing in it. For now I'm relying on my go to tote. 

I enjoy hearing what others consider their travel essentials. Vogue's "Editors Fashion Week Survival Guide" provides excellent travel tricks for staying chic on the go. If you have time, I would highly recommend reading this article. When traveling I rely on layers (I'm always cold), scarves and a capsule wardrobe of my favorite versatile items. I can agonize and edit my clothing picks for hours, but inevitably I always end up making the right choices. So for now, I would prefer to concentrate on packing my essentials in my carry on. Truth be told, I'm truly looking forward to nestling myself in a cozy wrap and utilizing all of  that uninterrupted reading time. 

What are your carry on essentials?

PS- I still appreciate a handwritten diary with notes. I'm in love with that darling orange Smythson diary. A place to jot down my thoughts is integral when traveling.